Summer Hair Guide for Grownups

We won’t revisit how to French-braid and apply sun-in (so ’80s). What we will deal with: all the hair annoyances that plague you come Memorial Day. New frizz fighters? Check. Protection for an increasingly exposed scalp? Oh yeah. Plus help for sun-yellowed grays. So pour yourself a ’tini and get ready for a great-hair summer

PROTECT YOUR COLOR (EVEN GRAY): RINSE, RINSE, REPEAT

“You can’t leave salt, chlorine or even perspiration in your hair for an extended time. They strip hair of moisture and ruin color,” says colorist Kathleen Flynn-Hui. “To prevent this, wet your hair with fresh water before you go swimming.” And if you’re running or playing tennis or golf? Mist your hair with water once an hour or so.

If you go au naturel and frizz still plagues you, try using a curling iron on just the top layer of your hair, which is all anyone sees anyway. Wrap one-inch sections around the iron’s barrel (don’t bother with the clamp—keep it closed); hold for 10 seconds, then release. The heat seals the cuticles in the curls you’ve created, lessening the risk of a frizz-out.

NEW TACTICS FOR FIGHTING FRIZZ: GO LONG . . . OR LAYERED

If your hair has natural texture and you wear it midlength and blunt, it’s more apt to puff out in humidity, says colorist Kathleen Flynn-Hui. Why? You don’t have the weight (read: length) to pull down the fuzz—or enough layering to reduce your hair’s density and minimize the puff. But you do have options. Go a bit longer to add that necessary weight. Or stay at midlength but ask your stylist to add tapered layers-, which will help shrink the pouf on humid days.

NEW TACTICS FOR FIGHTING FRIZZ: BOOST YOUR CONDITIONING ROUTINE

Hair that’s very dry is more apt to frizz. Why? It eagerly absorbs moisture in the air, causing the dreaded swell. However, if your locks are adequately conditioned, they’ll be unable to absorb a lot of water.

So when it’s particularly humid out, ramp up your routine by using one conditioner while you shower and a second, light leave-in conditioner when you’re drying off. For a leave-in, try Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Weightless Conditioning Shake ($6; drugstores).

GOT LIMP LOCKS? START STYLING IN THE SHOWER

Your best bet, says stylist Kevin Lee: Use volumizing shampoos and conditioners. These bulk up your strands and remove buildup, which can weigh down hair; they also infuse your locks with a thickening ingredient that adds fullness before you even begin styling.

GOT LIMP LOCKS? BUILD VOLUME AT THE ROOTS

“While your hair is damp, create a foundation for fullness by applying a root-lifting product at the scalp,” says colorist Kathleen Flynn-Hui. “Then dry your roots in the direction opposite from the way you normally wear it.”

In other words, if you usually part your hair on the right side of your head, make a part on the left side instead, then rough-dry the roots by tousling the hair with your hand. Once the roots are dry, flip your hair back the way you normally wear it and finish the blowout. Try Samy Fat Hair “0” Calories Root Lifter spray ($8; drugstores).

GOT LIMP LOCKS? STOCK UP ON DRY SHAMPOO

If you haven’t discovered this miracle product yet, it’s time. Dry shampoos were created to help absorb extra oil at the scalp, and most are essentially liquefied powder. But they have the added benefit of fattening up hair (albeit only until the next time you wash it).

How the fattening-up works: As the powder dries on your hair, it slightly thickens each strand. Apply dry shampoo primarily at the root, and you have instant lift that will last the whole day. Our all-time favorite is Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk ($18; klorane.com).

SUN-PROOFING YOUR SCALP AND STRANDS: PAINT YOUR PART

“If your part is wide enough that you’re able to see scalp, you need to protect that skin every day in the summer, not just when you’re at the beach or pool,” says dermatologist Jeanine Downie. Her strategy: Dip a cotton swab into the sunscreen you use for your face, then apply directly to the part.

Another idea: “I tell women all the time, Move your part around,” says trichologist Cunnane Phillips. “Switch it so the same patch of scalp isn’t always uncovered. Pull it all back, then move your part an inch to the right or left or switch sides altogether,” she says.

SUN-PROOFING YOUR SCALP AND STRANDS: GET SLICK

The wet look that was all over spring runways (Chanel, YSL) has a real-life application: “Wetness creates a physical barrier between your hair and the sun,” says trichologist Elizabeth Cunnane Phillips. “For added protection, mix some sunscreen into your favorite gel and comb it through.” Then pull your wet hair into a knot, braid or ponytail—or just leave it combed back and tucked behind your ears for a look that’s sophisticated and sun smart. Just be sure to secure your hair with a holder that’s metal free to minimize the potential for tearing.

SUN-PROOFING YOUR SCALP AND STRANDS: WEAR A HAT

“Wearing something on your head is the best protection, period,” says dermatologist Jeanine Downie. “You can opt for a full-on UV-blocking fabric or just find one that’s tightly woven. That’s what you need to block the sun.” Her pick: a wide-brimmed style from Coolibar ($29 and up; coolibar.com).

If it’s really hot out, however, you may not want to go with a very tightly woven fabric (or a hat with a tight fit). Both can heat up your scalp and irritate it, says colorist Kathleen Flynn-Hui. A cowboy hat may be a good compromise. Or, if that’s not your thing, a Jackie O–inspired colorful scarf works well, too.

AIR-DRY AND STILL LOOK POLISHED: CREATE GLAM WAVES

We know you want to look pulled together—and a blow-dryer is often the means to that end. But air-drying (a cooler option) works just as well if done properly.

Channel Veronica Lake with this strategy from Flynn-Hui: Wash, condition and scrunch in a styler (gel, mousse, salt/beach spray). Then, while the hair is damp, take three ringlets and wrap them around your finger to create a larger curl. The result: a wider wave pattern. Repeat around your whole head.

AIR-DRY AND STILL LOOK POLISHED: GO BEACHY

This technique works to de-frizz natural curls or to add waves to straight hair. “Comb in your preferred styling product,” says stylist Kevin Lee. “Then divide your hair into one-inch sections and twist each. Loosely loop up the twist and use a pin to secure. Do this all over for soft waves—or in random, slightly larger sections for a more beachy look. When your hair is dry, finger-tousle rather than brush so you don’t flatten the waves.” Tip: For a curlier look, coil the twisted sections around and around until you reach the scalp. Pin into doughnuts, air-dry and shake out.

AIR-DRY AND STILL LOOK POLISHED: TAME THINGS ON TOP

Create a sculpted look with just a hairpin. “Part your hair to one side, slick it down with gel and keep it in place by sliding in a flat bobby pin,” says colorist Kathleen Flynn-Hui. (Ideally, use one with no ridges, which can leave dents in your hair.)

Once everything is dry, take out the pin; your hair will lie flat and smooth across the top of your head.

AIR-DRY AND STILL LOOK POLISHED: UPDATE YOUR 'DO

“There were many buns on spring runways, and they’re all wearable,” says colorist Kathleen Flynn-Hui. “Just pull damp hair into a low bun, coiling it up and securing with bobby pins.” For a fresh effect, move the knot to one side or the other—or pull it on top of your head.

AIR-DRY AND STILL LOOK POLISHED: GET A LITTLE KINKY

“Slick gel into your hair and comb into a low braid—below the nape of your neck,” says stylist Kevin Lee. “When it’s dry, just take it out and fluff with your fingertips. You get smoothness in the crown and soft, wavy texture from midpoint down.”

SPEEDIER BLOW-DYERS: LUXE AND LIGHT

Ideally, you’d retire the blow-dryer this summer. The reality? You’ll need to drag it out occasionally (e.g., you must look polished in 20 minutes, and a damp bun won’t cut it). What helps is a dryer that gets you from damp to dry in next to no time. We like:

Solano 3300 XtraLite Dryer ($159; ultra.com) which boasts a powerful 1,800 watts for a speedy blowout. It also has tourmaline technology, which minimizes damage. The bonus? This is Solano’s lightest model yet (about the weight of a water bottle), so you won’t get overheated hoisting it over your head.

SPEEDIER BLOW-DRYERS: INEXPENSIVE AND FAST

In its new Heat Flash Dry Blow Dryer ($40; ulta.com), Goody has increased the rate at which hot air comes shooting at your hair. The promise? The Heat Flash will dry hair 35 percent faster than a traditional blower.

ELEGANT EXTRAS: BUN BLING

When it gets above 80 degrees, most of us want our hair off our necks. An elastic will suffice, but steer clear of the scrunchie—unless you like looking as if you stepped out of 1995. Here, accessories for occasions when you care to make a little more effort.

Wear a head wrap the conventional way (as a headband). Or get inventive and wrap it around a bun, Greek-goddess style.